Written by Keri Moe

El Paso Community College (EPCC), situated along the U.S.-Mexico border in far West Texas, is accelerating Latino student success and creating a college-going culture through its innovative Dual Credit, Early College High School (ECHS) and Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) programs. Over the past decade, EPCC has expanded the number of students enrolled in these programs, which has markedly increased student retention and completion, particularly among first-generation, Latino and other underserved students.

By 2023, EPCC will have 18 ECHS plus another 20 P-TECHS in eight different school districts. The growth of these programs is critical for getting more students enrolled in college and creating diversity in the type of students pursuing higher education. By providing access to college while students are still in high school, EPCC seeks to promote equity and create a college-going culture. “EPCC’s Dual Credit and Early College High School programs are having tremendous results in getting youth in our region on a path to higher education,” Dr. William Serrata, EPCC President, said. “The data shows that students who take just one college course in high school are more likely to pursue a college degree and be successful.”

These programs have had measurable success in preparing students with the academic, technical and professional skills required for employment and further higher education in the 21st century. Since the programs began, enrollment and success rates have steadily increased. Not only have these programs increased high school graduation rates and improved timely completion of certificate and degree programs, but they have had a measurable impact in increasing bachelor’s degree completion rates as well. The data at EPCC shows these students are three times more likely to graduate from college in four years or less; they also have higher GPAs and are more likely to pursue and graduate from graduate school.  

Students frequently state that these programs helped them experience higher education when they weren’t sure it was a possibility—either because they didn’t see themselves in a college classroom or because they didn’t think their family could afford it. “Before Dual Credit, I wasn’t sure if college was for me. I wanted to go, but I was afraid of what it would be like, but now I know I can do it,” Michael Martinez, an EPCC Dual Credit student, said. 

EPCC Dean of Dual Credit and Early College High Schools, Tonie Badillo, says this important academic opportunity helps students, including those who are underrepresented in higher education, experience college with support structures created to help them achieve their goals. She says the power of these programs is a result of collaboration. School districts, charters and private schools have embraced these options, EPCC has been there to help implement them, and partnering universities have welcomed these transfer students and documented the value of this post-secondary high school experience. “The beauty of the Dual Credit and Early College Pathways is that they attract, some by design, the population that reflects our region. Dual Credit is a great opportunity for students who want to challenge themselves but still fully participate in high school life,” Badillo said. “And most importantly, students who might not typically pursue higher education find success.”   

One student, Athens Tyree, wants to be an OBGYN Nurse Practitioner and enrolled in ECHS in order to reach her goals faster. She and her family value the money and time they can save. “I’m not your typical student. I feel like this program will help me in my future and is going to help me and my family in the long run,” Tyree said. 

P-TECHs, which started at EPCC in 2019, are the newest opportunity for high school students to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree, a post-secondary certificate or industry certification and to gain work-based training through internships. At EPCC’s P-TECHs, students can embark on studies in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, Welding, Computer-Aided Design, Cybersecurity, Teacher Preparation and other fields. “Students can pair their high school experience with their experience at a community college and then earn a living wage, contribute to our economy and better their own quality of life,” Dr. Steven Smith, Vice President of Instruction and Workforce Education, said. “As a result of the P-TECH experience, students will become skilled employees that will excel in today’s global economy and strengthen our region.”

Regardless of the program a student participates in, the benefits are clear. Parents and students alike express pride and describe the value of these programs where the student cost of tuition is waived, textbooks are provided and students experience first-hand that a college degree is possible. “Being part of this program is such a blessing,” Isabella Galindo, a student in an EPCC ECHS, said. “I didn’t know how my future was going to play out because my parents don’t have the financial resources to send me to college. Thanks to this program, I will be ahead of the game and have a bright future.” •

Author Bio:

Keri Moe, Ed.D., has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and serves as the Associate Vice President of External Relations, Communication & Development at El Paso Community College. She is also a tenured professor in Speech Communication who regularly teaches dual credit.